March 11, 2014

Cowboys Release DeMarcus Ware: The Dallas Cowboys have released linebacker/defensive end DeMarcus Ware after a deal could not be reached to reduce his $12.5 million salary for the upcoming season. The best pass rusher in team history after being drafted in 2005, Ware has a team-record 117 sacks and the seven trips to the Pro Bowl. The move frees up $7.5 million in cap space.

Cowboys benefit from playing in a division where the best team, the Eagles, are at best progressing along a rebuild effort. Redskins and Giants are at or nearing rock bottom. Six games against that level of competition has got to yield 3 wins for any NFL team.

Jacksonville, Houston - another 2 probable wins.

St.Louis, Chicago, and Tennessee would not be major upsets but wouldn't expect more than 1 win.

Looks like we're headed for another Pats-Broncos showdown in the playoffs. But that's why they play the games...

Here's our take on the Ware signing from a fantasy football standpoint:

-Former Cowboys DE DeMarcus Ware has reached a 3-year, $30 million deal with the Broncos. It reportedly includes $20 million in guaranteed money, a tremendous sum for a guy Dallas dumped earlier this week. Ware missed 3 games and saw his production drop last year while he dealt with multiple injuries, but he still performed well when on the field. Heading into his age-32 season, Ware certainly upgrades the Broncos' pass rush. The money says we should continue to treat him as a starter when we put together our 2014 IDP rankings.